Award

AUGUST 2019 | 49 Boréal French Immersion Public School Boréal French Immersion Public School by LAURA WALKER I n September 2018, the new Boréal French Immersion Public School in Sault Ste. Marie welcomed over 500 students and staff through its doors. Formerly a secondary school, the site's single structure has been divided into two structures, updated, and repurposed to accommodate not only the K-8 French immersion school, but a YMCA-operated daycare, a community hub housing a branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and the Algoma District School Board Plant Department, as well as Algoma Huron-Superior Transportation Services (AHSTS). "The French Immersion parent community expressed interest in hav- ing two K-8 sites, but we did not have any elementary sites large enough to accommodate the population, thus we turned our sights to a recently closed high school site," explains Lucia Reece, director of education at the Algoma District School Board. Thus, the project team was tasked with transforming an old vocational high school into an exciting place for younger children. "To accomplish this, the building needed to be a 'phoenix' and rise from its storied ashes," says David Ellis, of David Ellis Architect inc. Generally, the exterior masonry construction of the building was pre- served, explains Sam Biasucci of SalDan Construction Group. "We used the best masonry sealer and stain on the market to preserve the life expec- tancy of the building's exterior and introduce a new modern colour." The large property allowed for the inclusion of a well-organized bus drop-off and pick-up area, plenty of parking, a generous amount of play area, and a baseball field, which also includes natural playground space. Meanwhile, the rejuvenated interior combines the traditional existing design with modern features and utilizes a combination of masonry, abuse-resis- tant drywall, and ceramic tile. "Inside, visitors will feel the excite- ment exuded from vibrant colours, sleek shapes and natural lighting," explains Reece. "A boxed-in courtyard provides a unique park-like play space, which is immediately visible once inside the main entrance." "As an elementary school, we felt the environment should be playful and bright. We opened up many exterior walls to bring in more natural light, but the colours are its defining feature," adds Ellis. Classroom spaces throughout the school are bright, well-lit, and utilize modular furniture to accommodate different learning modes, while a cafeto- rium offers a gathering area and a stage to provide a multi-purpose space to host assemblies, plays, and other events. The school also boasts a Collaboration Learning Room, which is equipped with roller seats, white boards, and interactive spaces to foster interaction, collaboration, and innova- tive experiences. Meanwhile, the Learning Commons provides a large video wall, modu- lar seating, and a "learning staircase" that offers seating or a space for stu- dents to work. "Keeping the theme of playfulness, four in-wall cubbies are PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DAVID ELLIS ARCHITECT INC. 3:09 PM 11:03 AM

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